So who is Geoffrey Braaf?
Computers have been part of my life since my parents bought me a (legendary) C64 back when I was 6. Since then I've had many machines - and an equal amount of evening/weekend jobs - from Amiga's, PC's and ultimately a Mac. I've always had the uncontrollable urge to control and thus code on all of them.
At age 22 in 1998, while still in school, I founded the software development company A&B Solutions (now called about:blank), together with Maarten Alleman. In the early beginnings we've built 'things' we used to call websites back then, mostly plain HTML but also with some classic ASP code and MS Access databases. Being young and passionate about what we were doing, we expanded int the ASP and COM (VB/C++) direction. Back then things were simple, he sold projects and analyzed the customer's requirements, I would then model the solution and built it. Personally I've grown, from your standard software developer, into someone that can accurately assess, model and build just about anything (not trying to be arrogant here!) and is also able to fulfill the role of lead architect, project manager or CTO. Time has been good to us and we've had a hell of a ride. Sadly, our growth made me move away from what really motivated me at the early beginning. Therefore, late 2008, I decided I needed to move away from all the high-level management boredom and get back to where my heart lies, software development in all it's facets.
Along the road somewhere, back in 2000, I met Onno Hansen. That was an odd experience, as he was wearing a geeky StarTrek tie that seemed to appeal to us more than what he had to say. Essentially Onno had some thought on how to build a revolutionary new kind of Search Engine and we decided to call it SGreat. If I'd have to choose one project that has taught me the most, it must have been this. We've spent days, nights and weekends on the first version which ended up to be perfectly usable to … just us. It turned out overly complicated and it required a vast volume of input in order to become effective. The latest incarnation is called Findsi and I believe that this time we have actually managed to produce a friendly application that has some nifty techniques and algorithms doing their magic under the hood. Have a look at www.findsi.com, or better yet, register and start using it! I am still very passionate about and actively involved in Findsi.
Apart from my work related deformation - yes I try to analyze and plan it all! - I'm just a normal guy. Happily married, two lovely daughters and currently living in Europe. I know, I know, Europe is not a country … It's just that I travel a lot, and assume my laptop to be my office. Currently I live in Naples (Italy) and work/have worked with clients in various countries throughout Europe.
For a more detailed overview of my résumé, please visit one of my profiles on LinkedIn, FaceBook or Plaxo. Feel free to contact or connect to me while you're there!
Even though my wife often tells me I spent (way) too much time behind my computer, I do have other passions. Have a look at the Fun section - is that what non-techies call it? - for an overview.